Lubricant for conveyor system

ABSTRACT

A composition and method of lubricating conveyor tracks or belts is herein described wherein the lubricant composition contains a fatty acid, a neutralizing agent, a polyalkylene glycol polymer and a monomeric polyol; also described are methods of manufacture of such lubricant compositions. The compositions may also comprise additional functional ingredients.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/073,824 filed Feb. 11, 2002, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/640,586, filed Aug. 13, 2003, both of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to a lubricant suitable for use on a conveyorsystem and a method of making and using such lubricant. Moreparticularly, the invention pertains to a non-solid conveyor lubricantcomposition having a high fatty acid concentration, and methods ofmaking and using the same.

BACKGROUND

In many industries, including, for example, the food and beverageprocessing industry, containers and other articles are transported fromone location to another location by conveyors such as belt conveyors. Inmany such conveyor systems, a lubricating composition is used on theconveyor. One of the reasons that a lubricating composition is used isto facilitate movement and reduce the damage to the container resultingfrom mechanical impact between the containers and the rubbing actionamong the containers and between the containers and the belt. Forexample, occasionally in such systems, the containers are stopped on theconveyor due to a back up on the conveyor. While the containers arestopped, the belt is often still moved continuously. To facilitate thesmooth transportation of the containers, a lubricating composition canbe applied onto the surface of the conveyor belt and/or the containers.

A lubricating composition may be used on a variety of containersincluding food and beverage containers, household and commercialcleaning product containers, and containers for oil, antifreeze or otherindustrial fluids. Examples of container materials include glass,plastic (e.g. polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene;polystyrenes; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) andpolyethylene naphthalene (PEN); polyamides, polycarbonates; and mixturesor copolymers thereof); metals (e.g. aluminum, tin or steel); papers(e.g. untreated, treated, waxed or other coated papers); ceramics; andlaminates or composites of two or more of these materials (e.g.laminates of PET, PEN, or mixtures thereof with another plasticmaterial). The containers may have a variety of sizes and formsincluding cartons (e.g. waxed cartons or TETRAPACK™ boxes), cans,bottles and the like. Included in the description of the containers ofthe invention are containers for carbonate beverages such as colas,fruit flavored drinks, root beers, ginger ales, carbonated water, etc.Also included are containers for malt beverages such as beers, ales,porters, stouts, etc. Additionally, containers for dairy products suchas whole, 2%, or skim milk are included along with containers forjuices, Koolaid® (and other reconstituted drinks), tea, Gatorade®, orother sports drinks, neutraceutical drinks and still (non-carbonated)water. Further, food containers for flowable but viscous ornon-Newtonian foods such as catsup, mustard, mayonnaise, applesauce,yogurt, syrups, honey, etc. are within the scope of the invention. Thecontainers can be virtually any size including (e.g.) five gallon waterbottles, one gallon milk containers, two liter carbonated beveragecontainers, twenty ounce water bottles, pint or one half pint yogurtcontainers and others. Such beverage containers can be of variousdesigns. Designs can be entirely utilitarian with a shape useful simplyfor filling, transportation, sales, and delivery. Alternatively, thebeverage container can be shaped arbitrarily with designs adapted formarketing of the beverage including the classic “Coke” contour shape, orany other decorative, trademarked, distinctive, or other design can beincorporated into the bottle exterior.

When a lubricating composition is used, it is often applied as a liquidlubricant composition. The advantage of using a liquid lubricant is thatit is more easily dispensed onto the conveyor. However, liquidlubricants require a large volume of storage space. Solid lubricantstypically require less storage space but require unique dispensingmechanisms. Consequently, there is a need for a more concentratedlubricant that requires less storage volume than typical liquidlubricant compositions, but can be readily dispensed like a liquidlubricant.

Fatty acid compositions are excellent conveyor lubricants because theyare both effective lubricants and many are considered a food additivewhich is useful in the food and beverage industry. However, highconcentration fatty acid compositions are difficult to make. Fatty acidcompositions require the presence of a neutralizer to solubilize thefatty acid. As the concentration of the fatty acid is increased, moreneutralizer is necessary and this often results in a solid composition.Accordingly, there is a need for a more concentrated non-solidlubricant, and a non-solid fatty acid lubricant in particular, thatrequires less storage than a typical lubricant composition, but can bereadily dispensed like a liquid lubricant.

SUMMARY

Surprisingly, it has been discovered that a high concentration non-solidfatty acid lubricant composition can be prepared using a fatty acid, aneutralizer, a polyalkylene glycol polymer, and a monomeric polyol. Suchcompositions provide the benefits of requiring less storage space whilebeing able to use dispensing equipment normally used for dispensingliquid lubricants onto a conveyor. In addition, such non-solid fattyacid compositions also provide some detergency benefits. Further, theyhave the ability to be made out of food additive ingredients which isbeneficial in the food and beverage industry. Finally, they can serve asa booster for lubricants that are traditionally used on PET lines. Byacting as a booster, the compositions of the invention allow a plant tomaintain a large supply of PET lube that is used for both PET lines andother lines such as can lines, and a smaller tank of the compositions ofthe invention, which may be added only to the can lines to provideadditional lubricity as well as the other benefits, such as detergency.

The compositions of the invention may optionally be composed eitherpartially or exclusively of food additive ingredients. Also, thecompositions of the invention may optionally include additionalfunctional ingredients that enhance the effectiveness of the compositionas a lubricant, or enhance or provide other functional aspects to thecomposition.

These and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in theart and others in view of the following detailed description of someembodiments. It should be understood, however, that this summary, andthe detailed description illustrate only some examples of variousembodiments, and are not intended to be limiting to the invention asclaimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Definitions

For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied,unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere inthis specification.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term“about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generallyrefers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would considerequivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function orresult). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers thatare rounded to the nearest significant figure.

Weight percent, percent by weight, % by weight, wt %, and the like aresynonyms that refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight ofthat substance divided by the weight of the composition and multipliedby 100.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numberssubsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3,3.80, 4 and 5).

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to acomposition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or morecompounds. As used in this specification and the appended claims, theterm “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unlessthe content clearly dictates otherwise.

The use of the terms “antimicrobial” and “biocide” in this applicationdoes not mean that any resulting products are approved for use as anantimicrobial agent or biocide.

As discussed above, the invention generally relates to a non-solid fattyacid lubricant composition and methods of making and using a non-solidfatty acid lubricant composition. “Non-solid” compositions of theinvention include those compositions that are fluidable. Non-solidcompositions include those compositions that are pumpable. Some examplesof non-solid compositions are those compositions having viscosities upto about 10,000 centipoise, for example up to about 5,000 centipoise,from about 100 to about 5,000 centipoise, from about 100 to about 1,500centipoise, and from about 100 to about 500 centipoise when measuredusing spindle 5 at 60 RPM on a Brookfield RVDVI+ viscometer. Thecompositions of the invention include a fatty acid, a neutralizer, apolyalkylene glycol polymer, and a monomeric polyol. The compositions ofthe invention may optionally be made either exclusively or partiallyusing food additive ingredients. The compositions of the invention mayalso optionally include additional functional ingredients that enhancethe effectiveness of the composition as a lubricant, or enhance orprovide other functional aspects to the composition.

The compositions of the invention provide several benefits over theprior art. For example, the compositions of the invention take up lessstorage space than typical liquid lubricant compositions but can stillbe dispensed using liquid dispensers unlike solid lubricantcompositions. Additionally, the compositions of the invention mayoptionally either partially or exclusively be composed of food additiveingredients, which is beneficial in the food and beverage industry.Further, the compositions of the invention provide detergency benefits.Finally, the compositions of the invention may be used as a boosterwhich can help in reducing plant costs and storage space in a plant thatuses multiple lubricants for different conveyor lines, such as linesusing PET bottles or cans.

The compositions of the invention can be applied on a conveyor withoutfurther dilution, or they can be diluted with a carrier to form alubricant mixture. Additionally, the compositions of the invention maybe used as a booster, and mixed with another lubricant.

While the compositions of the invention are particularly useful asconveyor lubricants, it is understood that the compositions of theinvention may be used in any environment where it may be desirable tohave a non-solid concentrated fatty acid composition, such asenvironments where detergency would be beneficial, or other environmentswhere lubricant is desired such as a machine lubricant.

Fatty Acid

The term “fatty acid” includes any of a group of carboxylic acids thatcan be derived from or contained in an animal or vegetable fat or oil.Fatty acids are composed of a chain of alkyl groups and characterized bya terminal carboxyl group. The alkyl groups can be linear or branched.The fatty acid can be saturated or unsaturated. In some embodiments, thechain of alkyl groups contain from 4 to 24 carbon atoms, in someembodiments from 6 to 24 carbon atoms, and in some embodiments from 12to 18 carbon atoms. The lubricant composition can include combinationsor mixtures of different fatty acids. One particular fatty acid that issuitable is oleic acid, but as set forth above, a broad variety of otherfatty acids or combinations or mixtures thereof are contemplated foruse.

In at least some embodiments, at least a portion of the fatty acidremains a free fatty acid, in that it is not neutralized. In someembodiments, substantially all of the fatty acid remains a free fattyacid. As discussed above, in some previous lubricants, the use of afatty acid component required the use of an alkali neutralizing agent,for example to neutralize the fatty acid into a fatty acid soap. Suchalkali neutralizing agents would undesirably increase the alkalinitycontent of the lubricant. Embodiments of the invention that include areduced amount of such neutralizing agent, or do not include any suchneutralizing agents, however, can be formulated such they do not includeundesirable levels of alkalinity. For example, in some embodiments, thelevel of the total alkalinity is 100 ppm or less, as measured as calciumcarbonate, and in some embodiments, the level of the alkalinity is 50ppm or less. In some embodiments, such levels of alkalinity are in theuse compositions, while a concentrated composition prior to dilutioninto a use composition may have higher levels of alkalinity.

Examples of preferred fatty acids include oleic acid, coconut fattyacid, and tall oil fatty acid. The fatty acid component can comprise inan embodiment, at least about 20 wt. %, 21 wt. %, 22 wt. %, 23 wt. %, 24wt. %, 25 wt. %, 26 wt. %, 27 wt. %, 28 wt. %, and 29 wt. % of the finallubricant concentrate.

Neutralizing Agents

The lubricating composition can also include a neutralizing agent forvarious purposes, for example, to neutralize a portion of the fatty acidcomponent. Additionally, many surfactants are most effective in theneutral pH range. Moreover, acidic conditions might lead to chemicalattack on certain thermoplastics and metal parts. Therefore, in someembodiments, a portion of the fatty acid component, or the availableacid from the surfactants employed, e.g. the phosphates, is neutralized.However, in some embodiments, as discussed above, it is desirable toprovide a composition with a relatively low level of alkalinity, forexample, in compositions for use with certain thermoplastic containersor conveyors, such as PET containers. Therefore, in such embodiments,relatively low levels of alkali neutralizing agent is used. For example,in some embodiments, the level of the total alkalinity at diluted or useconcentration is 100 ppm or less, and in some embodiments, the level ofthe alkalinity is 50 ppm or less. For example, in some embodiments, thealkalinity can be calculated as percent CaCO₃ at diluted or useconcentration, as described in the examples below. In some embodiments,a diluted use solution can have total alkalinity levels in these ranges,while the concentrated composition prior to dilution can have higherlevels of alkalinity.

Some commonly used neutralizing agents are the alkaline metal hydroxidessuch as potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Another class ofneutralizing agent is the alkyl amines, which may be primary, secondary,or tertiary or, alkanolamines, such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamineand triethanolamine, or cyclic amines such as morpholine. Theneutralizing agent may also be ammonia. Finally, the neutralizing agentmay also be a known buffer such as sodium carbonate, potassiumcarbonate, sodium phosphate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, and sodiumdihydrogen phosphate.

Fatty alkyl substituted amines can also be used as neutralizing agentswherein the first substitute group of the amine is a saturated orunsaturated, branched or linear alkyl group having between 8 to 22carbon atoms, alkyl group or hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons,or an alkoxylate group, and the third substitute group of the amine isan alkylene group of 2 to 12 carbons bonded to a hydrophilic moiety,such as —NH₂, —OR, SO₃ amine alkoxylate, alkoxylate, and the like. Theseamines can be illustrated by the formula:

wherein R₁ is an alkyl group having between 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and R₂is a hydrogen, alkyl group or hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 4 carbonsor an alkoxylate group, R₃ is an alkylene group having from 2 to 12carbon atoms, and X is a hydrogen or a hydrophilic group such as—NH₂, —OR, —SO₃ amine alkoxylate, amine alkoxylate, alkoxylate, and thelike.

Examples of amines useful for neutralization are: dimethyl decyl amine,dimethyl octyl amine, octyl amine, nonyl amine, decyl amine, ethyl octylamine, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

When X is —NH₂, preferable examples are alkyl propylene amines such asN-coco-1,3,diaminopropane, N-tallow-1,3,diaminopropane and the like, ormixtures thereof.

Examples of preferable ethoxylated amines are ethoxylated tallow amine,ethoxylated coconut amine, ethoxylated alkyl propylene amines, and thelike, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of preferred neutralizing agents include potassium hydroxideand sodium hydroxide. Generally, when added into the lubricantconcentrate, the neutralizing agent is present in the range of about 20%by weight or less, in some embodiments, less than about 10% by weight,and in some embodiments about 5% by weight or less.

Though a lubricant concentrate can be formulated with pH in a widealkaline or acidic range, in some embodiments, the pH of the compositionis in the range of about 4 and 11, and in some embodiments is in therange of about 5 and 9.

Monomeric Polyol

The composition includes a monomeric polyol having 2 or more —OH groups.The composition may include one monomeric polyol, or a mixture of morethan one monomeric polyol. Examples of suitable monomeric polyolsinclude propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and glycerol. The preferredmonomeric polyol is propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, or a mixturethereof.

Polyalkylene Glycol Polymer

The term “polyalkylene glycol polymer” includes polymers of alkyleneoxides or derivatives and mixtures or combinations thereof. For example,in some embodiments, polyalkylene glycol polymers can include polymersof the following general formula, and derivatives thereof:H—O—(RO)x-Hwherein R is a linear or branched alkyl, and x is a positive integer,and in some embodiments is in the range of about 4 to 500 for lowmolecular weight polyalkylene glycol polymers, and in some embodimentsup to about hundreds of thousand for high molecular weight polyalkyleneglycol polymers. Some examples of commercially available lower molecularweight polyalkylene glycol polymers include Carbowax™ and Ucon™ productsavailable from the Dow Chemical Company, and some examples ofcommercially available higher molecular weight polyalkylene glycolproducts include POLYOX™ products available from the Dow ChemicalCompany.

As is apparent from above, the term “polyalkylene glycol polymer” alsocan include derivatives of such polyalkylene glycol polymers. Someexamples of such derivatives can include polyalkylene glycol polymersmodified by substitution on one or more of the terminal hydroxyl groups.For example, one or more of the terminal hydroxyl groups can besubstituted with alkyl or acyl groups to form an ether, or a carbonylgroup to form an ester. Some examples of such derivatives includecompounds of the following formulas:R′—O—(RO)x-H R′—COO—(RO)x-Hwherein R′ is linear or branched alkyl or aryl, and in some embodimentsis in the range of C₁-C₂₆ alkyl or aryl, in some embodiments is in therange of C₂-C₁₈ alkyl or aryl, and in some embodiments is in the rangeof C₁₂ to C₁₈ alkyl or aryl. Some specific examples of such ether andester derivatives of polyalkylene glycol include: Ethal SA20,Polyoxyethylene (20) stearyl alcohol from Ethox Chemicals, Lumulse100-S, Polyethylene glycol 1000 monostearate from Lambent Technologies,myrj 45, Polyoxylene (8) stearate from Uniqema (ICI Surfactants).

The polyalkylene glycol polymer component can be in the form of ahomopolymer, or mixtures or combinations of homo polymers, or caninclude copolymers, such as block or random copolymers, or mixtures ofcombinations of such copolymers, or can include mixtures or combinationsof homo polymers and copolymers. In some examples, the polyalkyleneglycol polymers range in molecular weight from about 200 to severalmillion, in some embodiments from about 200 to about 100,000, in someembodiments from about 200 to about 20,000, and in some embodiments fromabout 200 to about 10,000. The polyalkylene glycol polymer componentscan be in liquid, paste or solid form.

In some particular embodiments, the polyalkylene glycol polymer includeshomopolymers of polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, or blockand random copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, andderivatives of mixtures of any of these. For example, block copolymersof ethylene oxide and propylene oxide are known in the art as nonionicsurfactants and are commercially available. One example of a trade namefor such block copolymers is Pluronics®, manufactured by BASF.

One particular type of polyalkylene glycol polymer used in someembodiments includes ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer whereinthe polymer is prepared by the controlled addition of propylene oxide tothe two hydroxyl groups of propylene glycol. Ethylene oxide is thenadded to sandwich this hydrophobe between hydrophilic groups, controlledby length to constitute from 10% to 80% (by weight) of the finalmolecule. This type of polymer is best illustrated by the followingformula:

The x, y, and x′ in the formula have no definite integers, but depend onthe amount of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in the desired polymer.In this particular embodiment, ethylene oxide constitutes anywhere from10 to 80 wt-%.

A second type of block copolymer in some embodiments is that prepared byadding ethylene oxide to ethylene glycol to provide a hydrophile ofdesignated molecular weight. Propylene oxide is then added to obtainhydrophobic blocks on the outside of the molecule thereby creatinganother sandwich. The structure of this polymer is illustrated asfollows:

The content of ethylene oxide can range from 10 to 80 wt-%. In somespecific embodiments, the block copolymers are those between themolecular weight range of 800 to 40,000 and comprise polypropylene oxidesandwiched by polyethylene oxide blocks wherein the ethylene oxideconstitutes from about 10 to 80 wt-% of a copolymer. One particularexample of a useful block copolymer is that polymer identified asPluronic® F-108, which has an average molecular weight of 14,600, ameltlpour point of 57° C., is a solid at room temperature with aviscosity of 2,800 cps at 77° C. and a surface tension in dynes/cm of 41at 25° C., @0.1%.

Examples of preferred polyalkylene glycols include the block copolymers,such as the 50HB fluids commercially available from the Dow ChemicalCompany (Midland, Mich.) such as, Ucon 50HB55, Ucon 50HB100, Ucon50HB170, Ucon 50HB260, Ucon 50HB400, Ucon 50HB660, and Ucon 50HB2000.Other examples included the oxypropylene polymers LB-65, LB-165, LB-385,LB-625, and LB-1145, commercially available from the Dow ChemicalCompany, the difunctional polymers containing 75% oxyethylene and 25%oxypropylene 75-H-450, 75-H-1400, and 75-H-9500, commercially availablefrom the Dow Chemical Company; Carbowax polyethylene glycols such asCarbowax 200, 300, 400, and 600, commercially available from the DowChemical Company; and the Carbowax methoxypolyethylene glycols such asCarbowax 350, 550, and 750, commercially available from the Dow ChemicalCompany. The polyalkylene glycol component can comprise a very broadrange of weight percent of the entire composition, depending upon thedesired properties. For example, the polyalkylene glycol polymer cancomprise in the range from about 1 to about 99 wt.-% of the totalcomposition, in some embodiments in the range of about 1 to about 50wt.-% of the total composition, and in some embodiments in the range ofabout 3 to about 25 wt.-% of the total composition.

Food Additive

In many industries, including the food and beverage industry, it may bedesirable that any composition or chemical that comes into contact withfoods and beverages, including conveyor lubricants, be suitable forhuman consumption such that when the composition or chemical comes intodirect, indirect, or incidental contact with the food or beverage, itdoes not render the food or beverage unfit for consumption by humans ormammals. “Direct, indirect, or incidental contact” means that the foodor beverage acquires an amount of the composition. “Food or beverage” asused in this application means any substance ingested by humans ormammals including liquid, solid, semisolid, composite comestiblematerial in the form of water, carbonated beverage, a food, juice,sports beverage, snack, edible container, or carrier. The term “foodadditive” means that a composition or chemical may be safelyadministered to humans and mammals. The food additive compositions orchemicals, when combined together to make the compositions of theinvention, preferably both perform the desired function and pass thestringent guidelines of the federal regulations.

Examples of fatty acids that are suitable food additives include thefollowing oleic acid, tall oil fatty acid, and refined coconut oil.

Examples of neutralizing agents that are suitable food additives includesodium and potassium hydroxide, morpholine and urea.

Examples of polyalkylene glycol polymers that are suitable foodadditives include Carbowax™ and Ucon™ products available from the DowChemical Company, or block and random copolymers of ethylene oxide andpropylene oxide, and derivatives or mixtures of any of these. Oneexample of a trade name for such block copolymers is Pluronics® and ismanufactured by BASF.

An example of a monomeric polyol that is a suitable food additiveincludes propylene glycol.

Other Ingredients

Other active ingredients may optionally be used to improve theeffectiveness of the lubricant. Some non-limiting examples of suchadditional active ingredients can include: surfactants, (cationic,anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic), stabilizing/coupling agents,dispersing agents, anti-wear agents, antimicrobial agents, foaminhibiters/generators, viscosity modifiers, sequestrants/chelatingagents, bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide and others, secondarylubricants, dyes, odorants, and the like, and other ingredients usefulin imparting a desired characteristic or functionality in the lubricantcomposition. The following describes some examples of such ingredients.

Surfactants

The lubricant concentrate may also contain surfactants, cationic,anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic, or mixtures thereof. For a discussionon surfactants, see Kirk-Othmer, Surfactants in Encyclopedia of ChemicalTechnology, 19:507-593 (2d Ed. 1969), which is incorporated by referenceherein.

Some examples of anionic surfactants suitable for use includecarboxylates, sulfates, sulfonates, phosphates, and mixtures thereof.Some examples of phosphates include alkyl orthophosphates such asstearyl acid phosphate, alkyl polyphosphates and alkyl ether phosphate(alkyl phosphate ester). Some phosphate esters have alkyl chains with 8to 16 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the phosphate is a linearalcohol alkylate phosphate ester, particularly a C₈ to C₁₀ alcoholethoxylate phosphate ester. Some embodiments include alkaline salts ofC₈ to C₁₀ saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, such as, for example,tall oil, oleic or coconut oil. One particular example includes a sodiumtall oil soap. When used in the lubricant composition, in someembodiments the anionic surfactant can be present in a range of up toabout 50 wt-%.

Some examples of cationic cosurfactants suitable for use includequaternary ammonium surfactants with one or two long chain fatty alkylgroups and one or two lower alkyl or hydroxyalkyl substituents.Preferable examples are alkylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride whereinthe alkyl groups are a stearyl, tallow, lauryl, myristyl moiety, and thelike, and mixtures thereof. When used in the lubricant composition, insome embodiments the cationic cosurfactants can be present in a range ofup to about 50 wt-%.

Some examples of nonionic surfactants include polyalkylene oxidecondensates of long chain alcohols such as alkyl phenols and aliphaticfatty alcohols. Some specific examples contain alkyl chains of C₆ toC₁₈. Typical examples are polyoxyethylene adducts of tall oil, coconutoil, lauric, stearic, oleic acid, and the like, and mixtures thereof.Other nonionic surfactants can be polyoxyalkylene condensates of fattyacid amines and amides having from about 8 to 22 carbon atoms in thefatty alkyl or acyl groups and about 10 to 40 alkyloxy units in theoxyalkylene portion. An exemplary product is the condensation product ofcoconut oil amines and amides with 10 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide. Itis possible to form a block copolymer by condensing different alkyleneoxides with the same fatty acid amine or amide. An example is apolyoxalkylene condensate of a long chain fatty acid amine with threeblocks of oxyalkylene units wherein the first and third block consistsof propylene oxide moiety and the second block consists of ethyleneoxide moiety. The block copolymer may be linear or branched.

Yet another kind of nonionics are alkoxylated fatty alcohols. Typicalproducts are the condensation products of n-decyl, n-dodecyl,n-octadecyl alcohols, and a mixture thereof with 3 to 50 moles ofethylene oxide.

Some specifically suitable nonionics for the present lubricantcompositions are alkylene oxide adducts of relatively low degree ofpolymerization alkylglycosides. These oxyalkylated glycosides comprise afatty ether derivative of a mono-, di-, tri-, etc. saccharide having analkylene oxide residue. Preferable examples contain 1 to 30 units of analkylene oxide, typically ethylene oxide, 1 to 3 units of a pentose orhexose, and an alkyl group of a fatty group of 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Anoxyalkylated glycoside compares with the general formula of:H-(AO)_(m)-G_(y)-O—Rwhere AO is an alkylene oxide residue; m is the degree of alkyl oxidesubstitution having an average of from 1 to about 30, G is a moietyderived from a reducing saccharide containing 5 of 6 carbon atoms, i.e.pentose or hexose; R is saturated or nonsaturated fatty alkyl groupcontaining 6 to 20 a carbon atoms; and y, the degree of polymerization(D.P.) of the polyglycoside, represents the number of monosacchariderepeating units in the polyglycoside, is an integer on the basis ofindividual molecules, but may be an noninteger when taken on an averagebasis when used as an ingredient for lubricants.

Some specific examples include sorbitan fatty acid esters, such as theSpans® and the polyoxyethylene derivatives of sorbitan and fatty acidesters known as the Tweens®. These are the polyoxyethylene sorbitan andfatty acid esters prepared from sorbitan and fatty esters by addition ofethylene oxide. Some specific examples of these are polysorbate 20, orpolyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate, polysorbate 40, orpolyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monopalmatate, polysorbate 60, orpolyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monostearate, or polysorbate 85, orpolyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan triolyate. Used in the lubricantcomposition, in some embodiments the nonionic surfactant can be presentin a range of up to about 50 wt-%.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the lubricant can include a nonionicsurfactant that is an alkylpolyglycoside. Alkylpolyglycosides (APGs)also contain a carbohydrate hydrophile with multiple hydroxyl groups.

APGs are fatty ether derivatives of saccharides or polysaccharides. Thesaccharide or polysaccharide groups are mono-, di-, tri-, etc.saccharides of hexose or pentose, and the alkyl group is a fatty groupwith 7 to 20 carbon atoms. Alkylpolyglycoside can be compared with thegeneral formula of:G_(x)-O—Rwhere G is moiety derived from a reducing saccharide containing 5 of 6carbon atoms, i.e. pentose or hexose; and R is saturated or nonsaturatedfatty alkyl group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms; x, the degree ofpolymerization (D.P.) of the polyglycoside, representing the number ofmonosaccharide repeating units in the polyglycoside, is an integer onthe basis of individual molecules, but may be a noninteger when taken onan average basis when used as an ingredient for lubricants. In someembodiments, x has the value of less than 2.5, and in some embodimentsis in the range or 1 and 2.

The reducing saccharide moiety, G can be derived from pentose or hexose.Exemplary saccharides are glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, talose,gulose, allose, altrose, idose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose and ribose.Because of the ready availability of glucose, glucose is a commonembodiment in the making of polyglycosides.

The fatty alkyl group in some embodiments is a saturated alkyl group,although unsaturated alkyl fatty group can be used. It is also possibleto use an aromatic group such as alkylphenyl, alkylbenzyl and the likein place of the fatty alkyl group to make an aromatic polyglycoside.

Generally, commercially available polyglycosides have alkyl chains of C₈to C₁₆ and average degree of polymerization in the range of 1.4 to 1.6.In some embodiments, a lubricant composition of the invention caninclude up to about 50 wt-%, and in some embodiments in the range ofabout 3 wt-% to 10 wt-% of alkylpolyglycoside.

Stabilizing/Coupling Agents

In a lubricant concentrate, stabilizing agents, or coupling agents canbe employed to keep the concentrate homogeneous, for example, under coldtemperature. Some of the ingredients may have the tendency to phaseseparate or form layers due to the high concentration. Many differenttypes of compounds can be used as stabilizers. Examples are isopropylalcohol, ethanol, urea, octane sulfonate, glycols such as hexyleneglycol, propylene glycol and the like. The stabilizing/coupling agentscan be used in an amount to give desired results. This amount can range,for example, from about 0 to about 30 wt.-% of the total composition.

Detergents/Dispersing Agents

Detergents of dispersing agents may also be added. Some examples ofdetergents and dispersants include alkylbenzenesulfonic acid,alkylphenols, carboxylic acids, alkylphosphonic acids, and theircalcium, sodium, and magnesium salts, polybutenylsuccinic acidderivatives, silicone surfactants, fluorosurfactants, and moleculescontaining polar groups attached to an oil-solubilizing aliphatichydrocarbon chain.

Some examples of suitable dispersing agents include triethanolamine,alkoxylated fatty alkyl monoamines and diamines such as cocobis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, polyoxyethylene(5-)coco amine,polyoxyethylene(15)coco amine, tallow bis(-2 hydroxyethyl)amine,polyoxyethylene(15)amine, polyoxyethylene(5)oleyl amine and the like.

The detergent and/or dispersants can be used in an amount to givedesired results. This amount can range, for example, from about 0 toabout 30 wt.-% of the total composition.

Anti-Wear Agents

Anti-wear agents can also be added. Some examples of anti-wear agentsinclude zinc dialkyldithiophosphates, tricresyl phosphate, and alkyl andaryl disulfides and polysulfides. The anti-wear and/or extreme pressureagents are used in amounts to give the desired results. This amount canrange, for example, from 0 to about 20 wt.-% of the total composition.

Antimicrobial Agents

Antimicrobial agents can also be added. Some useful antimicrobial agentsinclude disinfectants, antiseptics, and preservatives. Some non-limitingexamples include phenols including halo- and nitrophenols andsubstituted bisphenols such as 4-hexylresorcinol,2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol and 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether,organic and inorganic acids and its esters and salts such asdehydroacetic acid, peroxycarboxylic acids, peroxyacetic acid, methylp-hydroxy benzoic acid, cationic agents such as quaternary ammoniumcompound, phosphonium compounds such as tetrakishydroxymethylphosphonium sulphate (THPS), aldehydes such as glutaraldehyde,antimicrobial dyes such as acridines, triphenylmethane dyes and quininesand halogens including iodine and chlorine compounds. The antimicrobialagents can be used in amounts to provide the desired antimicrobialproperties. In some examples, the amount can range from 0 to about 20wt.-% of the total composition.

Foam Inhibiters/Generators

Foam inhibitors or foam generators can also be used. Some examples offoam inhibitors include methyl silicone polymers. Some examples of foamgenerators include surfactants such as non-ionic, cationic, andamphoteric compounds. The foam inhibitors/generators can be used inamounts to provide the desired results. The foam modifiers can be usedin an amount to give desired results. This amount can range, forexample, from about 0 to about 30 wt.-% of the total composition.

Viscosity Modifiers

Viscosity modifiers can also be used. Some examples of viscositymodifiers include pour-point depressants and viscosity improvers, suchas polymethacrylates, polyisobutylenes polyacrylamides, polyvinylalcohols, polyacrylic acids, high molecular weight polyoxyethylenes, andpolyalkyl styrenes. The modifiers can be used in amounts to provide thedesired results. In some embodiments, the viscosity modifiers can rangefor 0 to about 30 wt.-% of the total composition.

Sequestrants/Chelating Agents

In addition to the aforementioned ingredients, it is possible to includeother chemicals in the lubricant concentrates. For example, where softwater is unavailable and hard water is used for the dilution of thelubricant concentrate, there is a tendency for the hardness cations,such as calcium, magnesium, and ferrous ions, to reduce the efficacy ofthe surfactants, and even form precipitates when coming into contactwith ions such as sulfates, and carbonates. Sequestrants can be used toform complexes with the hardness ions. A sequestrant molecule maycontain two or more donor atoms which are capable of forming coordinatebonds with a hardness ion. Sequestrants that possess three, four, ormore donor atoms are called tridentate, tetradentate, or polydentatecoordinators. Generally the compounds with the larger number of donoratoms are better sequestrants. The preferable sequestrant is ethylenediamine tetracetic acid (EDTA), such as Versene products which areNa₂EDTA and Na₄EDTA sold by Dow Chemicals. Some additional examples ofother sequestrants include: iminodisuccinic acid sodium salt,trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane tetracetic acid monohydrate, diethylenetriamine pentacetic acid, sodium salt of nitrilotriacetic acid,pentasodium salt of N-hydroxyethylene diamine triacetic acid, trisodiumsalt of N,N-di(beta-hydroxyethyl) glycine, sodium salt of sodiumglucoheptonate, and the like.

Bleaching Agents

The compositions of the invention may include a bleaching agent or adecolorizing agent. Examples of suitable bleaching agents includeacetone peroxide ammonium persulfate; azodicarbonamide, benzoyl peroxidecarbon activate, catalase, chloromethylated aminated styrenedivinylbenzene resin ammonium chloride, H₂O₂.BrO₃; lipoxidase, sodiumhydrosulfite, sodium hypochlorite, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite,and sulfur dioxide.

Dyes and Oderants

Various dyes and odorants including perfumes and other aestheticenhancing agents may also be included in the composition. Dyes may beincluded to alter the appearance of the composition, as for example, anywater soluble or product soluble dye, any FD&C approved dye, Direct Blue86 (Miles), Fastusol Blue (Mobay Chemical Corp), Acid Orange 7 (AmericanCyanamid), Basic Violet 10 (Sandoz), Acid Yellow 23 (GAF), Acid Yellow17 (Sigma Chemical), Sap Green (Keyston Analine and Chemical), MetanilYellow (Keyston Analine and Chemical), Acid Blue 9 (Hilton Davis),Sandolan Blue/Acid Blue 182 (Sandoz), Hisol Fast Red (Capitol Color andChemical), Fluorescein (Capitol Color and Chemical), Acid Green 25(Ciba-Geigy), and the like.

Fragrances or perfumes that may be included in the composition includefor example terpenoids such as citronellol, aldehydes such as amylcinnamaldehyde, a jasmine such as CIS-jasmine or jasmal, vanillin, andthe like.

Stress Crack Inhibitors

The composition may optionally include a stress crack inhibitor to makethe compositions of the invention more compatible with a PET container.Examples of suitable stress crack inhibitors include alkyl phosphoricesters, alkyl aryl phosphoric esters.

Friction Modifiers

Some non-limiting examples of useful friction modifiers include fattyacids with 12-18 carbon atoms, fatty alcohols, esters of fatty acidssuch as glycerides, fatty amines and amides.

Secondary Lubricant

A variety of secondary lubricants can be employed in the lubricantcompositions, including hydroxy-containing compounds such as polyols(e.g., glycerol and propylene glycol); polyalkylene glycols (e.g., theCARBOWAX™ series of polyethylene and methoxypolyethylene glycols,commercially available from the Dow Chemical Company and Dowanol DPM(dipropylene glycol methyl ether) available from Dow); linear copolymersof ethylene and propylene oxides (e.g., UCON™ 50-HB-100 water-solubleethylene oxide:propylene oxide copolymer, commercially available fromthe Dow Chemical Company); and sorbitan esters (e.g., TWEEN™ series 20,40, 60, 80 and 85 polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleates and SPAN™ series20, 80, 83 and 85 sorbitan esters, commercially available from ICISurfactants). Other suitable secondary lubricants include phosphateesters, amines and their derivatives, and other commercially availablesecondary lubricants that will be familiar to those skilled in the art.Derivatives (e.g., partial esters or ethoxylates) of the abovelubricants can also be employed. For applications involving plasticcontainers, care should be taken to avoid the use of lubricants thatmight promote environmental stress cracking in plastic containers.

Finally, a variety of silicone materials can be employed as a secondarylubricant, including silicone emulsions (such as emulsions formed frommethyl(dimethyl), higher alkyl and aryl silicones; functionalizedsilicones such as chlorosilanes; amino-, methoxy-, epoxy- andvinyl-substituted siloxanes; and silanols). Suitable silicone emulsionsinclude E2175 high viscosity polydimethylsiloxane (a 60% siloxaneemulsion commercially available from Lambent Technologies, Inc.), E2145FG food grade intermediate viscosity polydimethylsiloxane (a 35%siloxane emulsion commercially available from Lambent Technologies,Inc.), HV490 high molecular weight hydroxy-terminated dimethyl silicone(an anionic 30-60% siloxane emulsion commercially available from DowCorning Corporation), SM2135 polydimethylsiloxane (a nonionic 50%siloxane emulsion commercially available from GE Silicones) and SM2167polydimethylsiloxane (a cationic 50% siloxane emulsion commerciallyavailable from GE Silicones). Other silicone materials include finelydivided silicone powders such as the TOSPEARL™ series (commerciallyavailable from Toshiba Silicone Co. Ltd.); and silicone surfactants suchas WP30 anionic silicone surfactant, WAXWS-P nonionic siliconesurfactant, QUATQ-400M cationic silicone surfactant and 703 specialtysilicone surfactant (all commercially available from LambentTechnologies, Inc.). Preferred silicone emulsions typically contain from30 wt. % to 70 wt. % water. Non-water-miscible silicone materials (e.g.,non-water-soluble silicone fluids and non-water-dispersible siliconepowders) can also be employed in the lubricant if combined with asuitable emulsifier (e.g., nonionic, anionic or cationic emulsifiers).Again, care should be taken to avoid the use of emulsifiers or othersurfactants that promote environmental stress cracking in plasticcontainers.

Lubricant Composition and Use

As previously discussed, the compositions of the invention are non-solidcompositions in order to provide a concentrated fatty acid lubricantthat requires less storage volume than typical liquid lubricantcompositions, but can be readily dispensed like a liquid lubricant.

In some embodiments it is preferable that the lubricant concentrate havea carrier fluid. The carrier fluid aids in the dispensing and dilutionof the concentrate in water before application on the conveyor belt andthermoplastic containers. Water is the most commonly used and preferredcarrier for carrying the various ingredients in the formulation of thelubricant concentrate. It is possible, however, to use a water-solublesolvent, such as alcohols and polyols. These solvents may be used aloneor with water. Some examples of suitable alcohols include methanol,ethanol, propanol, butanol, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.Some examples of polyols include glycerol, ethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, diethylene glycol, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.Generally, when added into the lubricant concentrate, the carrier ispresent in the range of about 1% to 90% by weight. When the lubricant isdiluted in water for applying to a belt, water may be present in thediluted lubricating solution in the range of about 50% to 99.9 wt-%.

In some embodiments, the lubricant concentrate is diluted with adiluent, for example water, in a concentrate/diluent ratio of 1:50 to1:1000 before using. In another aspect, a method of lubricating acontinuously-moving plastic conveyor system for transporting a containeris practiced by applying diluted aqueous thermoplastic compatiblelubricating composition to the surface of the plastic conveyor. Thisapplication may be by means of spraying, immersing, brushing and thelike. The dilution may be done either batchwise by adding water into acontainer with a suitable amount of the concentrate or continuouslyonline. Online dilution is usually done by the regulated injection of astream of concentrate into a stream of water at a steady rate. Theinjection of the concentrate can be achieved by a pump, for example,metering pump, although other injection means are possible. Water ofvarying quality, for example, tap water, soft water, and deionized watermay be used. The water may also be heated or chilled.

In some other embodiments, the compositions can be applied in relativelylow amounts, and do not require dilution with significant amounts of acarrier. In some such embodiments, the composition provides a thin,substantially non-dripping lubricating film. In contrast to diluteembodiments, such embodiments can provide drier lubrication of theconveyors, and/or containers, a cleaner and drier conveyor line andworking area, and reduced lubrication usage, thereby reducing waste,cleanup, and disposal problems.

In yet some additional embodiments, it may be desirable to provide oneor more of the various components of the composition in separatecontainers until it is desired to make the final composition. Forexample, the polyalkylene glycol polymer component, the fatty acidcomponent, the neutralizing agent component, and the monomeric polyolcomponent can be provided in separate containers until it is desired tomake the composition. Such an arrangement allows for the separatecomponents to be available for use in other compositions. For example,the polyalkylene glycol polymer component could be useful in a separatelubricant composition that does not include the fatty acid component.Likewise, the fatty acid component could be useful in a separatelubricant composition that does not include the polyalkylene glycolpolymer component. By maintaining such components in separate containersuntil it is desired to combine them to make the lubricant compositioncontaining both, the components are potentially available for use inother systems. The mixing of the components can be made in concentratesor mixed after dilution. The mixing of the dilution can be made at thepoint of application or before at the mechanical system of transportingthe product to the intended use sites.

The lubricant composition, either concentrated or diluted, can beapplied to a conveyor system surface that comes into contact withcontainers, the container surface that needs lubricity, or both. Anysuitable method of applying the lubricant to the conveyor surface and/orthe container surface can be used. Some examples of application methodsinclude spraying, wiping, rolling, brushing, atomizing, dipping, and thelike, or a combination of any of these. The lubricant composition can beapplied to the surface by continuous, intermittent, or one timeapplication. In at least some embodiments, only portions of the conveyorthat contact the containers need to be treated. Likewise, in someembodiments, only portions of the container that contact the conveyor,or in some embodiments, that contact other containers, need to betreated. The lubricant can be formulated as a permanent composition thatremains on the container or conveyor throughout its useful life, or canbe a semi-permanent, or temporary composition.

The surface of the conveyor that supports the containers can be made ofa wide variety of materials, for example, fabric, metal, plastic,elastomer, composites, or combinations or mixtures of these materials.Any type of conveyor system used in the container field can be treatedaccording to some embodiments of the invention. Some examples ofconveyors, containers, methods of application, and the like aredisclosed in International Patent Application publication number WO01/12759, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

In some embodiments, the lubricant composition can also be formulated toinclude additional desirable characteristics. For example, it may bedesirable to provide a lubricating composition that is hasbiodegradability and nontoxicity. The public is increasingly aware ofthe ecological problems caused by the release of man-made chemicals inthe environment. More stringent governmental regulations are beingimplemented to respond to this public concern. Therefore, in someembodiments, the lubricating composition would desirably containchemicals that are more biodegradable and less toxic than conventionalchemicals used in lubricant concentrates. In some embodiments, it mayalso be desirable that the lubricating composition be compatible withinks or dyes that are used on the surface of the containers. Forexample, it may be desirable that the lubricant composition becompatible with inks used for date code on some containers, and does notremove such ink from the containers.

For a more complete understanding of the invention, the followingexamples are given to illustrate some embodiment. These examples andexperiments are to be understood as illustrative and not limiting. Allparts are by weight, except where it is contrarily indicated.

EXAMPLES

The following chart provides a brief explanation of certain chemicalcomponents used in the following examples: TABLE 1 Trade Names andCorresponding Description of Some Chemicals Used in the ExamplesTradename/Chemical Name Description Provider Oleic Acid Fatty AcidVarious Potassium Hydroxide (45%) Neutralizer Various Ucon 50HB660Polyalkylene Glycol Dow Polymer Propylene Glycol Monomeric PolyolVarious Na₂EDTA Chelating Agent Various Ethylene Glycol Monomeric PolyolVarious Hexylene Glycol Monomeric Polyol Various Ethyl Alcohol ViscosityModifier Various Na₄EDTA Chelating Agent Various Ucon LB285 PolyalkyleneGlycol Dow Ucon 50HB55 Polyalkylene Glycol Dow Carbowax 300 PolyalkyleneGlycol Dow

The chart in Table 2 shows the mix order for the ingredients in theformulas. The ingredients were mixed for 30 minutes and allowed to sitfor at least 12 hours at room conditions and then measured with aBrookfield DVI+ viscometer. The formulas were then observed and theirviscosity measured when possible. TABLE 2 Mix Order Formula Ingredient 1Ingredient 2 Ingredient 3 Ingredient 4 Ingredient 5 Ingredient 6Ingredient 7 Ingredient 8 1 DI H2O UCON 50HB660 Oleic Acid KOH 45%Na2EDTA 2 DI H2O Propylene Glycol Oleic Acid KOH 45% Na2EDTA 3 DI H2OOleic Acid KOH Na2EDTA 4 DI H2O Propylene Glycol UCON 50HB660 Oleic AcidKOH Na2EDTA 5 DI H2O Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON LB285 Oleic Acid KOH45% 6 DI H2O Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON LB285 Oleic Acid KOH 45% 7 DIH2O (39.5%) Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON LB285 Oleic Acid KOH 45%Hexylene Glycol DI H2O (2.5%) (8.9%) (2.5%) 8 DI H2O (41.1%) HexyleneGlycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB55 Oleic Acid KOH 45% DI H2O (2.9%) 9 DI H2O(43.7%) Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB55 Oleic Acid KOH 45% DI H2O(3.3%) 10 DI H2O (47.9%) Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB55 Oleic AcidKOH 45% DI H2O (2.1%) 11 DI H2O Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA Carbowax 300Oleic Acid KOH 45% Hexylene Glycol Carbowax 300 (5.7%) (11.2%) (2.8%)(2.8%) 12 DI H2O Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA Oleic Acid KOH 45% 13 DI H2OPropylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB660 Oleic Acid KOH 45% 14 DI H2OEthylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB660 Oleic Acid KOH 45% 15 DI H2OHexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB660 Oleic Acid KOH 45% 16 DI H2O EthylAlcohol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB660 Oleic Acid KOH 45% 17 DI H2O (41.5%)Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB660 Oleic Acid KOH 45% DI H2O (2.5%) 18DI H2O (45%) Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB660 Oleic Acid KOH 45% DIH2O (2%) 19 DI H2O (47.5%) Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB660 OleicAcid KOH 45% DI H2O (2.5%) 20 DI H2O (41%) Propylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON50HB660 Oleic Acid KOH 45% DI H2O (3%) 21 DI H2O (44%) Propylene GlycolNa4EDTA UCON 50HB660 Oleic Acid KOH 45% DI H2O (3%) 22 DI H2O (48%)Propylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB660 Oleic Acid KOH 45% DI H2O (2%) 23DI H2O Na4EDTA KOH 45% Hexylene Glycol UCON Oleic Acid 50HB55 24 DI H2ONa4EDTA Hexylene Glycol UCON 50HB55 Oleic Acid KOH 45% Hexylene Glycol(8.3%) (9.2%) 25 DI H2O Hexylene Glycol UCON 50HB55 Na4EDTA Oleic AcidKOH 45% Hexylene Glycol (7.2%) (2.5%) 26 DI H2O (38.6%) Hexylene GlycolNa4EDTA UCON 50HB55 Oleic Acid KOH 45% DI H2O (4.1%) Oleic Acid (23.5%)27 DI H2O Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB55 Oleic Acid KOH 45% (4.7%)28 DI H2O Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB55 Oleic Acid KOH 45% 29 DIH2O Hexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB55 Oleic Acid KOH 45% 30 DI H2OHexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB55 Oleic Acid KOH 45% 31 DI H2OHexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB55 Oleic Acid KOH 45% 32 DI H2OHexylene Glycol Na4EDTA UCON 50HB55 Oleic Acid KOH 45%

Example 1 Impact on Viscosity of Various Additives

Example 1 examined the impact of various additives on the viscosity of ahigh concentration fatty acid composition. For this example, fourformulas were prepared (see Table 3). TABLE 3 Viscosity Study ResultsFormula (in wt. %) 1 2 3 4 Deionized Water 47 47 59 47 Oleic Acid 25 2525 25 Potassium 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 Hydroxide (45%) Polyalkylene Glycol12 0 0 6 (Ucon 50HB660) Propylene Glycol 0 12 0 6 Na₂EDTA 3.5 3.5 3.53.5 Observation Solidified Very high Solidified Low viscosity.viscosity. Easy flow. Uniform. Uniform liquid. Viscosity Not 7550 cpsNot 985 cps Tested Tested

Table 3 shows that the combination of polyalkylene glycol (50HB660) andmonomeric polyol (propylene glycol) is necessary to achieve aconcentrated fatty acid composition with a low viscosity (easy flow).Formula 1 contained only polyalkylene glycol polymer without themonomeric polyol. The resulting composition solidified. Formula 2contained only the monomeric polyol without the polyalkylene glycolpolymer. The resulting composition was very thick having a viscosity of7550 cps when measured at room temperature with a HA/HB spindle 6 on aBrookfield DV I+ viscometer. Formula 3 did not contain either themonomeric polyol or the polyalkylene glycol polymer and the resultingcomposition solidified. Finally, Formula 4 contained equal amounts ofthe polyalkylene glycol polymer and the monomeric polyol and theresulting formula had a low viscosity, easy flow, and uniformcomposition with a viscosity of 984 cps when measured at roomtemperature with a HA/HB spindle 6 on a Brookfield DV I+ viscometer.

Example 2

Example 2 determined the impact of the choice of polyalkylene glycol onviscosity. For Example 2, hexylene glycol was used as the monomericpolyol. The polyalkylene glycol in Example 1, 50HB660 was replaced with50HB55, LB285 and Carbowax 300. The formulas used for this example arelisted in Table 4, along with the viscosity results and productobservations. The formulas are listed as weight percents. TABLE 4 Impactof Various Polyalkylene Glycol Polymers on Viscosity Formula (in wt. %)5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 DI H2O 47 50 42 44 47 50 38.9 47 Oleic Acid 25 2524.8 25 25 25 23.5 25 KOH (45%) 12.5 12.5 12.4 12.5 12.5 12.5 11.8 12.5LB285 6 3 5.9 0 0 0 0 0 50HB55 0 0 0 9 6 3 0 0 Carbowax 300 0 0 0 0 0 014 0 Hexylene Glycol 6 6 11.4 6 6 6 8.5 12 Na4EDTA 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.53.5 3.3 3.5 Observation Hazy, Slight Mostly Clear, Clear, Clear, Clear,Clear, separated separation uniform, smooth, smooth, smooth, smooth,smooth, slightly oily pourable pourable pourable pourable pourableappearance Viscosity Not tested 720 113.3 146.7 320 1546 153.3 386.7(spindle 5 @ 60 rpm)

When LB285 was used in Formulas 5-7, the product was not as uniform aswhen other polyalkylene glycol polymers were used. Formula 5 had equalparts LB285 and hexylene glycol. Formula 5 was hazy and it separated.Formulas 6 and 7 were more uniform than Formula 5 but still separated inFormula 6 or had an oily film on the top of the product in Formula 7.Formula 7 had the lowest viscosity of the formulas using LB285. Formulas8-10 used 50HB55 instead of LB285 or 50HB660. Formulas 8-10 were allclear, smooth, and pourable. Formulas 8-10 produced viscosities lowerthan similar formulas using Ucon 50HB660 as the polyalkylene glycol (seeTable 2 Formulas 2 and 4). Formula 11 used Carbowax 300 instead of Ucon50HB660. Formulas made with Carbowax 300 were very thick unless thehexylene glycol concentration was increased. Formula 11 with theCarbowax 300 produced a clear, smooth and pourable composition.

Example 3

Example 3 determined the impact of the choice of monomeric polyol onviscosity. Ucon 50HB600 was used as the polyalkylene glycol polymer andpropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and ethyl alcoholwere used as the monomeric polyols. The formulas used for this exampleare listed in Table 5, along with the viscosity results and productobservations. The formulas are listed as weight percents. TABLE 5 Impactof Various Monomeric Polyols on Viscosity Formula (in wt. %) 13 14 15 16DI H2O 47 47 47 47 Oleic Acid 25 25 25 25 KOH (45%) 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.550HB660 6 6 6 6 Propylene Glycol 6 0 0 0 Ethylene Glycol 0 6 0 0Hexylene Glycol 0 0 6 0 Ethyl Alcohol 0 0 0 6 Na4EDTA 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5Observation Clear, Separates Clear, smooth, Lowest smooth, pourable,lower viscosity, pourable viscosity than but propylene glycol separatesViscosity 1060 Not 380 Not (spindle 5 @ Tested Tested 60 rpm)

Formula 13 used propylene glycol as the monomeric polyol. Formula 13produced a clear, smooth, pourable composition having a viscosity of1060 centipoise as measured with spindle 5 at 60 RPM on a Brookfield RVDV I+ viscometer. Formula 14 used ethylene glycol as the monomericpolyol. Formula 14 separated and did not form a uniform composition.Formula 15 used hexylene glycol as the monomeric polyol. Formula 15produced a clean, smooth, pourable composition having a viscosity of 380as measured with spindle 5 at 60 RPM on a Brookfield RV DV I+viscometer. The viscosity of Formula 15 using hexylene glycol, was lowerthan the viscosity of Formula 13 using propylene glycol. Finally,Formula 16 used ethyl alcohol as the monomeric polyol. Formula 16appeared to have the lowest viscosity, but since it separated and didnot form a uniform composition, a specific viscosity value was notobtained.

Example 4

Example 4 determined the impact of the amount of polyalkylene glycol onviscosity. For this example, either propylene glycol or hexylene glycolwas used as the monomeric polyol. The concentration of the monomericpolyol was kept constant at 6 wt. %. Ucon 50HB660 was used as thepolyalkylene glycol. The concentration of the Ucon 50HB660 was either 3wt. %, 6 wt. % or 9 wt. %. The formulas used for this example are listedin Table 6, along with the viscosity results and product observations.The formulas are listed as weight percents. TABLE 6 Impact of the Amountof Polyalkylene Glycol on Viscosity Formula (in wt. %) 17 18 19 20 21 22DI H2O 44 47 50 44 47 50 Oleic Acid 25 25 25 25 25 25 KOH (45%) 12.512.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 50HB660 9 6 3 9 6 3 Hexylene Glycol 6 6 6 0 0 0Propylene Glycol 0 0 0 6 6 6 Na4EDTA 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 ObservationClear, Clear, Clear, Clear, Clear, Clear, smooth, smooth, smooth,smooth, smooth, smooth, pourable pourable pourable pourable pourablepourable Viscosity (spindle 5 193.3 380 1353 506.7 1060 3213 @ 60 rpm)

Table 6 shows that higher concentrations of Ucon 50HB660 yielded lowerviscosities. For example, Formula 17 with 9 wt. % of the Ucon 50HB660had a viscosity of 193.3 when measured with spindle 5 at 60 RPM on aBrookfield RV DV I+ viscometer, compared to Formulas 18 and 19 with 6wt. % and 3 wt. % respectively of Ucon 50 HB660 which had viscosities of380 and 1353 respectively when measured with a spindle 5 at 60 RPM on aBrookfield RV DV I+ viscometer. Likewise, Formula 20, with 9 wt. % ofthe Ucon 50HB660 had a viscosity of 506.7 when measured with spindle 5at 60 RPM on a Brookfield RV DV I+ viscometer compared to Formulas 21and 22 with 6 wt. % and 3 wt. % respectively of Ucon 50HB660 andviscosities of 1060 and 3213 respectively when measured with spindle 5at 60 RPM on a Brookfield RV DV I+ viscometer. All formulas in Table 5produced a clear, smooth, pourable composition. Formulas 17-19, wherehexylene glycol was used as the monomeric polyol, had lower viscositiesthan their counterparts in Formulas 19-21, where propylene glycol wasused as the monomeric polyol.

Example 5

Example 5 determined how much fatty acid could be included and stillresult in a non-solid composition. For this example hexylene glycol wasused as the monomeric polyol and Ucon 50HB55 was used as thepolyalkylene glycol. The formulas used for this example are listed inTable 7, along with the product observations. The formulas all listed asweight percents. TABLE 7 Impact of Fatty Acid Concentration on ViscosityFormula (in wt. %) 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 DI H2O 12.5 13.8 30.342.7 36.5 36.5 42.5 41 39.5 38 Oleic Acid 50 34.3 30 28.2 29.2 30 26 2728 29 KOH (45%) 25 17.2 15 11.7 14.6 15 13 13.5 14 14.5 50HB55 18 12.410.8 8.4 8.8 9 9 9 9 9 Hexylene 12 17.5 9.7 5.6 5.8 6 6 6 6 6 GlycolNa4EDTA 7 4.8 4.2 3.4 5.1 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 Observation Very LessHazy, Clear, but Hazy, Hazy, Clear, Clear, Clear, Hazy, thick, viscous,but separates separates separates separates smooth, smooth, smooth,separates hazy, hazy, pourable pourable pourable. gel- separates Verylike slightly oily appearance on top. Viscosity Not Not Tested Not NotNot Not 153.3 cps 173.3 cps 186.7 cps Not Tested Tested Tested TestedTested Tested

Table 7 shows that a fatty acid concentration of 28 wt. % could beobtained while achieving a non-solid composition.

Example 6

Example 6 tested an alcohol and glycerin to determine their impact onviscosity.

The formulas used for this example are listed in Table 7, along with theproduct observations. All formulas are listed as weight percents. Theformulas were mixed in the order they appear from top to bottom in Table8. TABLE 8 Formula 33 34 35 36 DI H2O 47 47 47 47 1-Hexanol 6 6Glycerine 6 6 Na4EDTA 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 UCON 50HB660 6 6 UCON 50HB55 6 6Oleic Acid 25 25 25 25 KOH 45% 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 Comments SeparatedSeparated Uniform Uniform Viscosity Not Tested Not Tested 3513 cps 1833cps

Table 8 shows that when hexanol was used, the composition separated.However, the glycerin formed a uniform composition. Viscosity wasmeasured using spindle 5 at 60 RPM on a Brookfield RVDVI+ viscometer.

The foregoing summary, detailed description, and examples provide asound basis for understanding the invention, and some specific exampleembodiments of the invention. Since the invention can comprise a varietyof embodiments, the above information is not intended to be limiting.The invention resides in the claims.

1. A non-solid fatty acid lubricant composition having a viscosity up toabout 10,000 centipoise when measured using spindle 5 at 60 RPM at roomtemperature comprising: (a) at least about 25 wt. % of a fatty acid; (b)a neutralizer; (c) a polyalkylene glycol polymer; and (c) a monomericpolyol.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition furthercomprises an additional functional ingredient.
 3. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the additional functional ingredient is selected fromthe group consisting of surfactants, stabilizing/coupling agents,dispersing agents, anti-wear agents, antimicrobial agents, foaminhibiters/generators, viscosity modifiers, sequestrants/chelatingagents, bleaching agents, stress crack inhibitors, friction modifiers,film forming agents, secondary lubricants, dyes, odorants, and mixturesthereof.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the viscosity of thecomposition is from about 100 centipoise to about 5,000 centipoise whenmeasured using spindle 5 at 60 RPM at room temperature.
 5. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the composition is fromabout 100 centipoise to about 1,500 centipoise when measured usingspindle 5 at 60 RPM at room temperature.
 6. The composition of claim 1,wherein the fatty acid is oleic acid.
 7. The composition of claim 1,wherein the neutralizer is potassium hydroxide.
 8. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the polyalkylene glycol polymer is a block copolymer.9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the monomeric polyol is selectedfrom the group consisting of hexylene glycol, propylene glycol, andmixtures thereof.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fatty acidcomprises at least about 28 wt. % of the total composition.
 11. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the neutralizer comprises from about 3wt. % to about 20 wt. % of the total composition.
 12. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the polyalkylene glycol polymer comprises up to about25 wt. % of the total composition.
 13. The composition of claim 1,wherein the monomeric polyol comprises up to about 25 wt. % of the totalcomposition.
 14. The composition of claim 1, further comprising acarrier.
 15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the carrier isselected from the group consisting of water, methanol, ethanol,propanol, or butanol, or mixtures thereof.
 16. A method of lubricating aconveyor system for transporting a container, the method comprising: (a)providing a lubricant concentrate, the lubricant concentrate having aviscosity up to about 10,000 centipoise when measured using spindle 5 at60 RPM at room temperature, the lubricant concentrate comprising: (i) atleast about 25 wt. % of a fatty acid; (ii) a neutralizer; and (iii) amonomeric polyol; (b) mixing the lubricant concentrate with a carrier toform a lubricant composition; and (c) applying the lubricant compositionto a surface of a belt or track of the conveyor.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein the lubricant concentrate further comprises a polyalkyleneglycol polymer.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the lubricantconcentrate has a viscosity from about 100 centipoise to about 5,000centipoise when measured using spindle 5 at 60 RPM at room temperature.19. The method of claim 16, wherein the lubricant concentrate has aviscosity from about 100 centipoise to about 1,500 centipoise whenmeasured using spindle 5 at 60 RPM at room temperature.
 20. The methodof claim 16, wherein the fatty acid comprises at least about 28 wt. % ofthe total composition.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein theneutralizer comprises from about 5 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of the totalcomposition.
 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the polyalkylene glycolpolymer comprises up to about 25 wt. % of the total composition.
 23. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the monomeric polyol comprises up to about25 wt. % of the total composition.
 24. The method of claim 16, whereinthe container is a plastic container.
 25. The method of claim 16,wherein the container is a metal container.
 26. The method of claim 16,wherein the container is a glass container.
 27. The method of claim 16,wherein the carrier comprises water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, orbutanol, or mixtures thereof.
 28. The method of claim 16, wherein thelubricant composition is thermoplastic compatible.
 29. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the lubricant composition is polyethyleneterephthalate compatible.
 30. The method of claim 16, wherein thecomposition has an alkalinity level of less than about 100 ppm.
 31. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the composition has an alkalinity level ofless than about 50 ppm.
 32. The method of claim 16, wherein thecomposition is a dry lubricant.
 33. The method of claim 16, wherein thecomposition is a non-dripping liquid lubricant.
 34. The method of claim16, wherein the composition further comprises an additional functionalingredient.
 35. The composition of claim 34, wherein the additionalfunctional ingredient is selected from the group consisting ofsurfactants, stabilizing/coupling agents, dispersing agents, anti-wearagents, antimicrobial agents, foam inhibiters/generators, viscositymodifiers, sequestrants/chelating agents, bleaching agents, stress crackinhibitors, friction modifiers, film forming agents, secondarylubricants, dyes, odorants, and mixtures thereof.
 36. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the composition is compatible with ink used on thecontainers.